Activation of Nrf2 in fibroblasts promotes a skin aging phenotype via an Nrf2-miRNA-collagen axis

Hiebert, Paul; Martyts, Anastasiya; Schwestermann, Jonas; Janke, Katharina; Hafner, Jürg; Boukamp, Petra; Mazza, Edoardo; Werner, Sabine

Abstract

Aging is associated with progressive skin fragility and a tendency to tear, which can lead to severe clinical complications. The transcription factor NRF2 is a key regulator of the cellular antioxidant response, and pharmacological NRF2 activation is a promising strategy for the prevention of age-related diseases. Using a combination of molecular and cellular biology, histology, imaging and biomechanical studies we show, however, that constitutive genetic activation of Nrf2 in fibroblasts of mice suppresses collagen and elastin expression, resulting in reduced skin strength as seen in aged mice. Mechanistically, the “aging matrisome” results in part from direct Nrf2-mediated overexpression of a network of microRNAs that target mRNAs of major skin collagens and other matrix components. Bioinformatics and functional studies revealed high NRF2 activity in aged human fibroblasts in 3D skin equivalents and human skin biopsies, highlighting the translational relevance of the functional mouse data. Together, these results identify activated NRF2 as a promoter of age-related molecular and biomechanical skin features.

Citation

Hiebert, P., Martyts, A., Schwestermann, J., Janke, K., Hafner, J., Boukamp, P., Mazza, E., & Werner, S. (2022). Activation of Nrf2 in fibroblasts promotes a skin aging phenotype via an Nrf2-miRNA-collagen axis. Matrix Biology, 113, 39-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matbio.2022.09.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 12, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 20, 2022
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Feb 14, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 16, 2024
• Journal: Matrix Biology
• Print ISSN: 0945-053X
• Electronic ISSN: 1569-1802
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 113
• Pages: 39-60
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matbio.2022.09.002
• Keywords: Aging; Skin mechanics; Extracellular matrix; Nrf2; miRNA; Collagen
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4547460